Premier Networx and FPL Food Named 2023 Best In Business by Augusta Metro Chamber
Augusta, GA (December 7, 2022) – At this year’s Best In Business award celebration, Entrepreneur Fortitude was the overarching theme and both recipients have displayed not only the endurance it takes to succeed in business but also a strong commitment to our community and a positive impact on our local economy. The Augusta Metro Chamber’s annual Best In Business awards include Augusta’s Entrepreneur, presented by South State Bank, and Corporation of the Year. Today, at their final Member Economic Luncheon of the year, the Chamber honored Chad Harpley of Premier Networx as Augusta’s Entrepreneur for 2023, and named FPL Food, Inc. the 2023 Corporation of the Year.
Chad Harpley, CEO of Premier Networx, attributes the success of his business to his team and clients. Without them, Premier Networx would not exist. Premier Networx prides themselves on offering white glove customer service, not often seen in IT companies of a similar size. They developed pods that our clients have been put in theoretically where they get to see no more than two of the same technicians. Chad’s team helps put clients first and achieve the 100% customer satisfaction they strive for every day. In 10 years in business, Premier Networx has grown completely organically by word of mouth from their clients. Chad loves to give back to his community, and through his 10 years in business, he has given over a million dollars to non-profit organizations. Chad is long-term partner and advocate for the Chamber, has served on numerous local boards including Ronald McDonald House and Burn Foundation of America, and continues to serve as a board member for Via Cognitive Health. Premier Networx was listed as one of Inc 5000 fastest growing companies four years and was named Columbia County Small Business of the Year in 2017.
FPL Food, Inc. has been in business for over 20 years and continues to be a powerhouse of innovation in the beef industry. They are committed to reinvesting money made every year to further their initiatives for growth, efficiency, and sustainability. FPL is committed to developing their employees not only in their careers but also personally. FPL strives to promote employees to higher roles within the company as well as encourages employees to join organizations within the beef industry and serve in leadership roles on local boards and committees to include South Carolina Farm Bureau, South Carolina Young Farmers and Ranchers, Augusta Historic Society, and French American Chamber of Commerce. FPL Food continues to give back to our community through monthly and yearly financial donations to Augusta Boxing Club, Ronald McDonald House Charities and SafeHomes and donated over 1200 lbs. of ground beef to Golden Harvest Food Bank in 2023. FPL Food is currently working on a major expansion plan for its Augusta location, which will take place over the next four years. FPL will rebuild and expand its harvesting floor, which will then sit on 46,000 sq ft, construct 12,500 sq ft of new offices, and add 36,000 sq ft to the fabrication floor.
It’s not every year that an additional nominee stands out among the rest and has already achieved significant success in such a short time. As a part of this year’s Best In Business celebration, the Chamber’s Selection Committee decided to distinguish Patrick Wells, President of Piedmont Landscape Management, as Augusta’s Entrepreneur Rising Star. Since relocating to Augusta and starting his business in 2018, Patrick has built an exceedingly successful brand and name in the commercial landscaping business.
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Media Contact:
Kathryn Freemon, Communications Coordinator
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Kathryn.Freemon@AugustaMetroChamber.com